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More details of the research themes for CAPE Grand Challenge 2021

 Research Topics

Your proposal should address one of the following areas:

  1. High density distributed optical fibre temperature/strain aliasing signal decoupling technology (see below for further details of this topic)
  2. Autonomous positioning technology based on random images (see below for further details of this topic)
  3. Optical polarization-independent large-angle beam-steering and beam-splitting technologies with fast switching time.
  4. Novel LiDAR beam steering solutions.

Further Details

Theme 1

High Density Distributed Optical Fibre Temperature/Strain Aliasing Signal Decoupling Technology

Background

The distributed optical fibre sensing system based on optical frequency domain reflection (OFDR) technology can obtain the temperature and strain fields along the optical fibre by detecting the wavelength change of Rayleigh scattering spectrum. It has the advantages of high spatial resolution and high density of measuring points. It has an important application prospect in structural temperature/strain monitoring of precision instruments, automobiles, power equipment, infrastructure, etc., and is a research hot spot in the field of optical fibre sensing technology.

The wavelength of optical fibre Rayleigh scattering spectrum is affected by both temperature and strain. Because of that, it’s difficult for distributed optical fibre sensing system based on OFDR technology to distinguish temperature from strain information, which limits its application in the situation where temperature and strain change simultaneously. Therefore, developing a decoupling measurement technique for the temperature/strain mixed signals is of great importance to engineering application of OFDR based distributed optical fibre sensing system.

Technical requirements and goals

(1) Complete the investigation and analysis of temperature/strain aliasing signal decoupling technology of distributed optical fibre ;

(2) Develop the decoupling scheme of temperature/strain aliasing signal of distributed optical fibre sensing system

 

Theme 2

Autonomous Positioning Technology based on Random Images

Project Background

While firefighters are working in forests, buildings, mountains, caves and other environments, there is a possibility that satellite navigation signal is shielded and their position cannot be located. Using random images taken manually to locate personnel is a feasible way to solve this problem. The research on this technology will help firefighters to obtain their own positioning data in complex fire environment, thereby improving the safety and communication efficiency of firefighters.

Technical requirements and goals

In typical environments such as forests, buildings, mountains, caves, etc., without relying on satellite navigation signals or signals pre-arranged by users, without three-dimensional map or picture database pre-scanned by users, use random images to extract features and obtain the personnel location in the photo-taking spot via feature matching or navigation information extraction. Online resources (maps, pictures, etc.) can be used in this project.

Technical goals:

  • For outdoor condition, positioning accuracy should be better than 10 meters.
  • For indoor condition, positioning accuracy should be better than 3 meters.
  • The photo-taking spot could be a random location in a given area.

 

How to apply

Please complete an Expression of Interest Form (LINK GOES HERE) and return to cape-office@eng.cam.ac.uk by 19 March 2021 (note extended deadline).

Further Information

If any queries, please contact Ms Denisa Demko (CAPE Coordinator), CAPE Office, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0FA

Tel:                         +44 (0)1223 748343

Email:                    cape-office@eng.cam.ac.uk